Winter formal season calls for elegance and sophistication, and your hairstyle plays a crucial role in completing your look. Braids offer a versatile and stylish option for winter formal events, allowing you to experiment with various textures and designs. From classic to contemporary, there’s a braided hairstyle perfect for every taste and outfit. This year, trends are leaning towards intricate details, incorporating metallic accents, and embracing natural texture. Let’s explore some stunning winter formal hair braid ideas that will make you the star of the evening.
Classic French Braid with a Pearl Accent
The timeless French braid gets a touch of winter magic with the addition of delicate pearls. This style works beautifully on medium to long hair. Start by creating a classic French braid, ensuring it’s neat and tightly woven. Once the braid is complete, weave a thin strand of pearls throughout the braid, securing them with small bobby pins. Opt for small, iridescent pearls for a subtle shimmer, or larger pearls for a bolder statement. This look is particularly stunning with a deep jewel-toned dress, such as emerald green or sapphire blue. Popular in both the US and EU, this classic style offers understated elegance.
Dutch Braid Crown with Glittery Hairspray
Embrace regal elegance with a Dutch braid crown adorned with shimmering hairspray. This style works best on thick hair. Create two Dutch braids, starting from either side of your head and working towards the crown. Once the braids meet at the top, secure them with bobby pins, forming a crown. For a touch of winter sparkle, lightly spray the braids with a glittery hairspray. Gold or silver glitter complements most dress colors, while colored glitter can be matched to your outfit for a cohesive look. The Dutch braid crown provides a sophisticated and eye-catching hairstyle that’s perfect for formal occasions. This style is currently trending across Europe, particularly in Scandinavia and France.
Fishtail Braid with Ribbon Inlay
Add a touch of romantic whimsy to your winter formal look with a fishtail braid adorned with a velvet ribbon. The intricate texture of the fishtail braid pairs beautifully with the luxurious feel of velvet. Begin by creating a standard fishtail braid. Next, carefully weave a thin velvet ribbon through the braid, choosing a color that complements your dress. Deep burgundy, navy blue, or emerald green ribbons are popular choices for winter formal events. This style adds a touch of bohemian elegance to your ensemble and is particularly popular amongst younger attendees in the US.
Side-Swept Waterfall Braid with Crystal Embellishments
For a soft and romantic look, consider a side-swept waterfall braid embellished with sparkling crystals. This style works well on all hair lengths. Create a waterfall braid along one side of your head, allowing the strands to cascade down like a waterfall. Secure the braid with a clear elastic band. Then, attach small crystals along the braid using hair glue or tiny bobby pins. Clear or iridescent crystals create a subtle shimmer, while colored crystals can add a pop of color to your look. This hairstyle is a popular choice for winter formals in both the US and EU, often seen paired with pastel or neutral-toned gowns.
Pull-Through Braid with Metallic Thread
Add a modern and edgy touch to your winter formal hairstyle with a pull-through braid incorporating metallic thread. This style creates a voluminous and textured braid. Begin by creating a high ponytail. Then, divide the ponytail into sections and incorporate metallic gold or silver thread into each section. Continue creating a pull-through braid, ensuring the metallic thread is visible throughout the braid. This style is incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of dress styles. The metallic thread adds a touch of glam rock that is currently trending on runways in both the US and Europe.
Messy Bun with Braided Accents
For a chic and effortless look, try a messy bun with braided accents. This style is perfect for those who prefer a more relaxed yet sophisticated hairstyle. Gather your hair into a low, loose bun at the nape of your neck. Leave a few strands loose to frame your face. Create two small braids on either side of your head and incorporate them into the bun, securing them with bobby pins. This hairstyle combines elegance and ease, making it a popular choice for winter formal events. The messy bun trend has been a staple in both the US and EU for several seasons, and the addition of braids elevates the look for formal occasions.
